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There is no planet, sun or star that could hold you if you but knew who you are. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

How many of us take the time to know who we really are?  Sounds like an easy question because if anyone is going to be an expert on you it should be you.  Yet when I ask people to share with me what makes them unique and remarkable, I’m often met with blank stares and even some blushed cheeks.  This is usually followed by qualifying questions like “How do I answer this question?  Is it about “work me” or “personal me”? “ or blanket responses of “I don’t know how to answer that question because I wasn’t raised to brag about myself.”  What makes you, you isn’t something that can be compartmentalized into personal and professional areas.  Those very things that come naturally to you, your essence, are gifts that envelop your whole self.  This is your “WOW Factor” and by discovering and celebrating it, you create an existence where you are living, doing and being what you love.

Think of the Wow Factor as bullet points on your resume.  In fact, sometimes this is the easiest way to get started.  When we prepare for a new job or career search, we start off by looking at past resumes and the dreaded task of updating.  I do believe that one of the reasons we are so reluctant to modify or create our resumes is because it’s not natural for us to honor what makes us special.  The very idea of being special is a foreign concept.  Who am I to be special? Who are you not to be?  There are hundreds of people who are fifth grade teachers, paralegals for a bankruptcy law firm, commercial bankers, theater actors, and real estate brokers; however, they don’t see, feel or perform their job the same way you do.

Write or type out the question: What comes naturally to me?  The rest is a freethinking exercise with no self-editing.  Let the word(s) and phrases flow.  The task feels daunting at first because the very things that come naturally to us are effortless.  We don’t realize what they are because it feels as easy as breathing.  How many people think about what it takes in order to fill our lungs and release breath?  It just happens.  If a trait or characteristic is easy for me than how can it really be seen as unique or even beneficial? Our innate gifts that we take for granted seem like impossibilities to others who witness it.  Whenever I watch friends go into their kitchen and pull out what appear to be unrelated ingredients to create a delicious and magnificent meal, I am in awe.  First, the idea that cooking relaxes some people is alien to me ~ especially when it’s for a group of people.  Then, of course, I wonder how in the world do they know that all of those items go together and where’s the official recipe?  Don’t rush this list.  In fact, I often tell people to devote an hour each day for a week for its creation.  This is a brand new muscle you are working with and just like your first time back at the gym to work with a trainer, there will be some flexibility issues and pain involved.  The more you do, the more you gain.

After you answer this question for yourself, reach out to TRUSTED individuals who support you and ask them what makes you unique and remarkable.  This is not about validating or confirming what you already know to be true, but instead an exercise to learn how others see you.  Often we aren’t aware of the light that shines so strongly from within us that we make a difference just by showing up.  And after they are kind enough to share positive words and thoughts, return the favor.

All too often we don’t see or use the power behind the very gifts and talents we were born with in order to create delicious and dynamic lives.  We come from an understanding that life is supposed to be hard, which is why many of us are doing things we don’t want to do.  Instead of following our spirit, we are influenced by external forces (sometimes known as family or society as a whole) and end up trying to live someone else’s dream.  There’s a misconception that if you do or live what you love that you won’t be able to survive.  Doesn’t that sound wrong?  If you are tapping into those very skills that make you unique there’s so much more passion and joy involved.  You feel stronger and healthier.  There is a glow that others see and will comment on.

It’s never too late to start knowing and owning your Wow Factor.  Today, choose you.  You are worth the time.

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